Bangladesh has expressed its interest in joining a proposed international stabilisation force for Gaza during high-level meetings held in Washington between Bangladeshi and US officials.

National Security Advisor Khalilur Rahman conveyed Bangladesh’s position while meeting Allison Hooker, the US under-secretary of state for political affairs, and Paul Kapur, assistant secretary of state, at the US State Department. The information was shared in a statement issued by the Chief Advisor’s Office on Saturday.

According to the statement, the meetings focused on Bangladesh’s upcoming national election, economic and trade relations, the Rohingya crisis, and several regional and international issues.

During his meeting with Allison Hooker, Khalilur Rahman briefed her on the preparations for Bangladesh’s general election. He thanked the United States for its support of the interim government, especially during the election process.

Hooker said that Washington “continues to strongly support Bangladesh’s democratic transition” and added that the US is “looking forward to a free and fair election in February.”

Khalilur Rahman also spoke about expanding bilateral trade between the two countries. He highlighted that Bangladesh’s imports of US agricultural products have increased significantly.

During the discussion, Khalilur raised concerns about the difficulties faced by Bangladeshi businesspeople travelling to the United States due to the recent visa bond requirement. He requested that short-term B1 business visas be exempted from the bond.

In response, Hooker acknowledged the concern and said that the US government would “consider the matter positively.” She added that the visa bond requirement “could be reviewed in the future if tourist overstays decline significantly.”

Hooker also expressed appreciation for Bangladesh’s cooperation in accepting the return of undocumented Bangladeshi nationals from the United States.

On the Rohingya crisis, Khalilur Rahman thanked the United States for its continued support for the displaced Rohingya population sheltered in Bangladesh. He noted that the US is the largest donor and requested the continuation of assistance.

Hooker thanked Bangladesh for carrying a heavy responsibility by hosting a large number of Rohingya refugees. She stressed the need for broader international burden-sharing and urged the expansion of livelihood opportunities for Rohingyas while they remain in Bangladesh.

Khalilur Rahman further requested access for Bangladesh’s private sector to financing from the US Development Finance Corporation. He also sought US support for semiconductor development in Bangladesh.

Hooker assured that the United States would consider these proposals.

Regarding Gaza, Khalilur Rahman said that Bangladesh was “interested in principle” in joining a proposed international stabilisation force. Hooker responded that the United States was “willing to work with Bangladesh on the issue.”

In a separate meeting with Assistant Secretary of State Paul Kapur, Khalilur Rahman discussed the upcoming election, bilateral relations, the Rohingya crisis, visa bond issues, trade, investment, and other matters of mutual interest.

US Ambassador Christensen stated that the United States “supports Bangladesh’s journey towards a democratic future” and added that Washington “looks forward to working with the next elected government to advance bilateral relations.”